No matter if your home is cooled via a central air conditioning unit or by window units, air conditioners like humidifiers and refrigerators need to be maintained and cleaned regularly. This will ensure that they last for many years and keep your family cool and comfortable throughout the summer. These important home comfort appliances are more likely to fail if they have accumulated dirt and dust. You don’t want dust and allergens leaking into the air you breathe.
How to clean a central AC conditioner
Carrier, a major manufacturer and distributor of central air conditioner systems, provided us with cleaning and maintenance tips. These cleaning tips will keep your central air conditioner’s exterior and interior components humming.
How to clean an outdoor compressor and condenser
It is best to start cleaning at the beginning of the season. Then, you can just sweep away any debris that may appear after a storm.
Remove any plants or shrubs that could be blocking airflow around the unit. Allowing airflow to flow freely for two feet will give the unit more room.
Remove any debris from the base. Use a brush, utility vacuum, or shop vacuum to remove leaves, twigs, and other debris from the grille slats.
Before you begin any wet cleaning, turn off the circuit breaker and unplug it. Use a brush and a sudsy solution to clean the top grilles and sides.
Use a garden hose at 45 degrees to rinse off the detergent. Then, flush the inner coils with as much dirt as possible using the hose. Do not use a power washer to clean coils. They can be damaged by the strong force.
Some websites recommend that you remove the outer grille in order to clean the coils better and straighten bent fins. This is something we recommend to leave to the professionals.
How to clean the interior filters and vents
Make interior vent covers and filter swapping a part of your routine cleaning.
Use your soft dusting brush to vacuum the floor registers, ceiling, and wall slats.
The return-air vent filter is where the cool air from your house returns to your house. It should be replaced every three months, depending on the needs of your family and home. It should be replaced every two months in active homes that have pets or suffer from allergies. If the air conditioner isn’t running constantly or if there are heavier filters installed, it may take longer to replace them.
How to clean an air conditioner window
Before installing window units in spring, make sure they are cleaned again before you store them for winter. Follow these steps as needed during the season.
To remove any dirt, vacuum regularly the body, control panel and front grilles with a soft dusting tool. Use a damp cloth to clean any areas.
Every month, check the foam filter. To remove dirt, hair, and lint, vacuum the foam filter on low pressure using an upholstery tool.
To clean a foam filter that is extremely dirty, you can soak it in warm, soapy water and rinse it well. It should be allowed to dry completely before it is returned to the air conditioner.
You should clean the remote control of your unit with a damp cloth, not a wet wipe. Before you do this, remove the batteries and ensure that no moisture gets inside.
It’s a good idea to check the seals around your unit to ensure cold air doesn’t escape. Weatherstripping should be used to seal any leaks.